Membership & Day Table
Thank you for your interest in participating in the Cumberland & Falmouth Farmers Market. We are pleased to be able to serve the greater Falmouth, Cumberland and surrounding areas. Membership is open for the 2024 season and we accept day table applications throughout the season.
Currently, we run 2 outdoor markets during the summer season May-October in Falmouth on Wednesdays and Cumberland on Saturdays. As a member, you should be able to commit to one or both weekly markets for the entire season. Members can participate in planning meetings and have voting rights.
Day tables are available for those vendors looking to sell their goods or services for some or part of the season in either market.
We focus on offering local food, products and services that meet the high standards of our customer base. Every vendor is carefully screened to be sure that you meet our high standards.
What if I can’t commit to every week for the entire season?
A day table is available for those vendors who want to participate periodically throughout the season. We welcome the variety that day table vendors offer. We accept day table applications at any time of the year and will discuss scheduling with you based on a number of factors. Schedules and availability should be planned/checked in advance as we limit the number of day tables per market day. We charge a $30 fee per market per day, payable in advance via our online portal.
All other guidelines below including product offerings, communication, lateness, and absences apply to day table vendors. Additionally, we may have different marketing programs throughout the season that we expect all vendors to participate in. We will discuss current programs with you at the time of your application submission.
What products do we accept?
We accept vendors who produce locally grown food including vegetables & fruits, plants & seedlings, responsibly raised animal products, milks & cheeses, eggs, unique & handmade products, coffee, tea, spices, tinctures, lotions & soaps, bakery and ready to eat foods. At least 75% of your offerings need to be created, raised, grown or made by you in Maine.
How does a typical market day work?
Attendance and timeliness are key to a successful market. We expect you will arrive no later than 30 minutes before the market start to give yourself time to set up and be ready to sell on time. Typically, many vendors arrive about 60 minutes before the market start to allow ample time for set up. Arriving on time keeps our market professional and mitigates safety issues. If you do not arrive at a market within at least 30 minutes of opening you may be reassigned to another spot and will be placed wherever there is a spot available based on traffic and vendor attendance. If you are late (less than 30 minutes) more than 3 times at a location you may be reassigned to another permanent spot for the remainder of the season or removed from that market location entirely by the market board.
If you are going to be late (arrive in less than 30 minutes prior to start time) you need to inform ALL MEMBERS no later than 8AM on market day. If you fail to effectively communicate more than 3 times during the season (per location) you may be reassigned to another permanent spot for the remainder of the season at that location.
You are not permitted to sell outside of official market hours. No browsing or pre-shopping will be permitted. It is your responsibility to inform customers that for safety reasons and to allow other vendors to continue to set up or breakdown unencumbered, this rule is in place. If customers have prepaid you and are only picking up their purchase before or after market hours we request that you conduct that transaction outside of the market shopping area so other vendors can set up or breakdown unencumbered. If you fail to follow this rule you may be removed from that market location entirely by the market board.
All vendors are expected to stay for the duration of the market day regardless if they have product to sell.
How are you handling single-use plastic shopping bags for customers?
Beginning July 2021, a statewide ban on single-use plastic carry-out bags was instituted. We encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags or totes for transporting their goods. Vendors may provide recycled paper bags or reusable bags for their customers. For more information click here.
How do you deal with weather?
We are a rain or shine market and you need to plan for an eventual rainy day. In the event of a dangerous storm the Market president or onsite market coordinator can decide to end the market early or cancel ahead if the weather could create safety issues. Generally, we cancel 1-2 market days per season for weather-related issues.
What is a standard booth size?
Approximately 10’ x 10’ and a parking spot for your car/truck. There is an option for members to purchase an additional adjacent 10’ x 10’ space.
Do I need a tent or canopy?
While we don’t require them we highly recommend them. The summer season has days of bright hot sun and for the comfort of yourself, your products and your customers you should invest in one. You are required to weigh down your booth apparatus to prevent safety issues. There are commercial sandbags and weights available for that purpose.
What other equipment or supplies should I have?
You may need the following to successfully run your business at the market:
Folding table(s).
Tool kit with tape, index cards, markers, scissors, elastics, bungees and a first aid kit.
A battery-operated scale.
Calculator, pens, pencils, notebook, receipt book, brochures, business cards
Ability to collect multiple payment forms. Due to technological advances, customers now have expectations to pay via credit or debit card.
Cash box to provide change.
Plates, napkins and/or utensils.
Trash container.
Signage for your business and/or products with clear pricing.
Chair
Raincoat
Are there exclusive rights to sell certain products?
No
Is booth placement pre-assigned?
Each on-site market coordinator will assign you a spot for the entire season. They work to create a cohesive plan that works for customers and vendors. You may express specific needs so they can plan appropriately. Typically, you will not move your spot during the season unless necessary to optimize traffic flow.
Is electricity available?
Generally, no. You should bring a portable generator.
Are bathroom facilities available?
Yes.
What is your policy on attendance?
Consistency builds sales and customers demand it. By attending markets with specific frequency you build customer loyalty. For members, we expect you to attend each market. While personal events and emergencies happen, it is expected that you communication effectively with the market manager about any absences. If you miss more than 3 market days (per location) you may be reassigned to another permanent spot for the remainder of the season at that location or be removed from that market location entirely by the market board.
If you are going to be absent you need to inform ALL MEMBERS no later than Tuesdays 10AM (for Falmouth) or Friday 10AM (for Cumberland. If you fail to effectively communicate more than 3 times during the season (per location) you may be reassigned to another permanent spot for the remainder of the season at that location.
What is the timing for accepting new vendors?
Generally, all decisions about new vendors are made by March of the market year. New vendors are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. If space is still available after the deadline we will continue to accept applications for day tables throughout the season.
What licenses and insurance are required for participating vendors?
All vendors are responsible for acquiring and maintaining any licenses they need to operate at a farmers market. For example, vendors selling prepared food or food-related products are subject to and responsible for mobile vendor licensing. There may be other permits and licenses you will need to conduct your business in Maine. For more information on permits & licensing click here.
All vendors must carry general liability insurance that specifically names the Falmouth & Cumberland Farmers Market and specific towns and/or locations as covered entities. If accepted, you will receive specific info for what your Certificate of Insurance (COI) should contain.
What fees are required for participating vendors?
The annual fee is $300 for members and $30 per day for day table participants per day paid in advance. Depending on space, members can purchase an additional space for $300. This space would be directly adjacent to their space thereby making it a double space.
New members, once accepted, are required to pay a $50 non-refundable application fee at the first full membership meeting. This fee is applied to their annual membership fee.
Do you have member meetings?
Yes, we have at least 2-3 meetings during the off season and 1-2 meetings during the season. Your voice is important to the success of our market family. We encourage all members to attend the periodic meetings. If you want to have a voice in decisions, then we encourage you to attend meetings as part of our greater community. Outside of the meetings we communication via text, email, and phone.